Vegetarian numbers rapidly rising
The growing vegetarian trend can be beneficial. Several studies show that a vegetarian diet increases the body’s metabolism, causing the body to burn calories up to 16 percent faster than the body would on a meat-based diet. Our bodies are also designed to be herbivores. Photo courtesy of MCT Photo Service.
April 29, 2015
The released “Vegetarianism in America” study, published by Vegetarian Times, shows that 3.2 percent of U.S. adults, or 7.3 million people, follow a vegetarian-based diet.
“I just don’t like the idea of killing animals for eating. When I see people eating beef I think of a baby cow. I think that the growing number of vegetarians is a good sign,” junior Sarah Thompson said.
According to Food Product Design, every day, more than 2,000 people become vegetarian. Because more people are eating vegan and vegetarian, the organic sector is increasing as well because the two sometimes go hand in hand.
Vegetarian and vegan restaurants are also popping up internationally and home cookbooks are becoming more popular.
“It has become easier at restaurants to find more variety in vegetarian options,” senior Sneha Rajagopal said.
Food Product Design also says that in Germany, a first ever vegetarian cafeteria opened in 2011. It exclusively uses vegetarian ingredients and has a high ratio of organic products. Even those who are not vegetarian are starting to use more meat alternatives than before.
“Even though I am not vegetarian, I have also noticed more people becoming vegetarian and more food options for it,” freshman Anita Pan said.
To learn more about vegetarianism, click here.
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